New Updated Edition of Observing & Evaluating Whitetails Published

Meger Banner.jpgATHENS, GA (August 3, 2020) – The most detailed and instructional guide to aging live whitetail bucks in the field, Observing & Evaluating Whitetails by wildlife photographer Dave Richards and wildlife biologist Al Brothers of Texas, has been expanded and republished with new color photos, more multi-year buck aging sequences, and 36 more pages. It is available now at QDMA.com.

observing evaluating whitetails 2020 new edition.jpgFirst published in 2003 in partnership with QDMA, Observing & Evaluating Whitetails was a ground-breaking book, the crowning achievement of Richards’ 25 years pursuing whitetails with a camera. Richards has followed the lives of untold numbers of wild bucks across multiple years, documenting with his camera the changes in body, behavior and antler size as they age. The first edition of his book compiled photographic aging sequences for 17 unique bucks, and the new edition adds four more for a total of 21. Each sequence is accompanied by Richards’ commentary on the changes to look for, helping any hunter sharpen their skills at identifying age characteristics in the field. Nearly 100 additional photos highlight the body characteristics of each individual age class from fawn to post-maturity.

In addition, Richards teaches hunters techniques for estimating Boone & Crockett antler score in the field. This section of the book includes live photos of 35 unique bucks (eight more than the first edition) that were later measured, so their antler dimensions and final score are known. Measurement charts for each buck are presented alongside photographs of the live deer.

With text written by Richards and pioneering Texas wildlife biologist Al Brothers, this book is a must-have for any serious deer hunter’s bookshelf, even if you already own the first edition.

  • 35 new color photos, over 470 total
  • 21 buck aging sequences (four new) showing body and antler changes across years
  • 35 examples (eight new) of live bucks with known Boone & Crockett scores
  • A guide to aging bucks in the field, on the hoof
  • Aging whitetails by behavior
  • Estimating Boone & Crockett score on the hoof
  • Whitetail antler anomalies
  • Whitetail communication and sensory capabilities

Observing & Evaluating Whitetails, the New Updated Edition, is available in softcover for only $29.99. Order from QDMA by clicking here.

Media Contact: Lindsay Thomas Jr., QDMA Director of Communications, 800-209-3337

About QDMA
QDMA is dedicated to ensuring the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with members in all 50 states and Canada. To learn more about QDMA, call 800-209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com.

About NDA
The mission of the National Deer Alliance (NDA) is to serve as the guardian of wild deer conservation (white-tailed deer, mule deer, black-tailed deer, coues deer, and Key deer), and our hunting heritage. Formally incorporated in May 2015, the NDA is driven to assemble and unite a diverse group of stakeholders that includes hunters, managers, and the hunting industry to help create positive outcomes for deer and deer hunting.